‎Bangladesh–Türkiye Relations Set for Further Expansion as Türkiye Celebrates 103rd Republic Day

Photo: CNI

Diplomatic Correspondent: Bangladesh and Türkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on expanding trade, investment, economic cooperation and collaboration across multiple sectors.
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‎The commitment was highlighted at a reception marking the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye, hosted by Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh H.E. Ramis Şen at the Grand Ballroom of Sheraton Dhaka in Banani on Thursday evening, October 29.
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‎The reception was attended by distinguished diplomats, government officials, political leaders, business representatives and other invited guests. Md. Asaduzzaman, Hon'ble Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, attended as the Chief Guest.
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‎Ambassador Ramis Şen Highlights Growing Bilateral Engagement
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‎In his address, Ambassador Ramis Şen expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Türkiye and emphasised the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
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‎He noted that the two countries had maintained close engagement throughout the year, marked by several high-level visits and diplomatic exchanges. He particularly highlighted the recent visit of the Chief Guest to Türkiye, as well as the official visit of Turkish Foreign Minister H.E. Hakan Fidan to Bangladesh on 5–6 June 2026.
‎The Ambassador also referred to the bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister H.E. Tarique Rahman and Turkish President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in New York during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026.
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‎Looking ahead, he expressed his expectation that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would participate in the World Leaders' Summit of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, on 11–12 November 2026.
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‎Ambassador Şen further announced that the next meeting of the Bangladesh–Türkiye Joint Economic Commission is scheduled for 20–21 January 2027. He said the meeting would provide an important platform for comprehensively reviewing bilateral economic relations and identifying new opportunities for cooperation.
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‎Emphasising the potential for stronger commercial engagement, the Ambassador encouraged Turkish businesses and investors to explore further trade and investment opportunities in Bangladesh. He also expressed his commitment to working closely with the relevant Bangladeshi authorities to expand cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
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‎Chief Guest Highlights Historical and Cultural Bonds
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‎In his speech, Chief Guest Md. Asaduzzaman conveyed warm greetings and congratulations to the government and people of Türkiye on behalf of the Government and people of Bangladesh.
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‎He expressed his appreciation to the Turkish Embassy and Ambassador Ramis Şen for the invitation, while recognising Türkiye's remarkable achievements in infrastructure, manufacturing, technological innovation, defence industries and economic development.
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‎The Minister highlighted the deep-rooted historical and emotional connections between the people of Bangladesh and Türkiye, recalling the inspiration that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's struggle for independence and sovereignty provided to the people of Bengal.
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‎He also recalled the historical solidarity demonstrated by people in Bengal during Türkiye's struggle for independence. Bengali families and women, he noted, generously contributed gold, jewellery and personal belongings in support of the Turkish people.
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‎Referring to Bangladesh's National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, the Minister highlighted his association with the 49th Bengal Regiment during the First World War and his literary tribute to the Turkish struggle through the celebrated poem Kamal Pasha. He observed that the spirit of solidarity and admiration between the two peoples had remained strong across generations.
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‎The Minister expressed optimism that the longstanding friendship between Bangladesh and Türkiye would continue to evolve into stronger cooperation in trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and other areas of shared interest.
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‎Türkiye Marks 103 Years of Republican History
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‎The 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye marks an important milestone in the country's modern history. The Republic was proclaimed on 29 October 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who became its founding president.
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‎Marking the occasion, Turkish President H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted the importance of national unity, independence and the achievements Türkiye has made throughout its republican history.
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‎The Dhaka reception reflected the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and Türkiye and the shared commitment of both countries to building a stronger, broader and more dynamic partnership in the years ahead.